🔗 Share this article The Red Bull team Voices Remorse Regarding Remarks Linked to Online Abuse Against Driver Kimi Antonelli Max Verstappen's victory in Qatar sets up a thrilling championship decider. The Red Bull racing outfit has issued a statement expressing its sincere regret for post-race remarks that preceded a torrent of online abuse, including vile threats, directed at young talent Kimi Antonelli. Antonelli reportedly changed his Instagram profile to a blank image on Monday, a reaction to the hurtful messages that flooded his accounts. Mercedes stated that a number of these messages constituted threats against the driver's life. The situation stems from team radio during the final laps of the recent race. Max Verstappen's race engineer suggested over the air that it "appeared as if" Antonelli had "just pulled over" to allow rival driver Lando Norris to pass. This incident proved crucial for the title fight, as the overtake earned him two additional points. This increased the McLaren driver's points advantage over Verstappen to 12 points ahead of the season finale in Abu Dhabi. In its official communication, Red Bull clarified: "Observations voiced implying that Kimi Antonelli had deliberately allowed Lando Norris to overtake are clearly incorrect. Replay footage demonstrates Antonelli briefly losing control of his car, thereby allowing Norris to pass him. We deeply regret that this has led to Kimi being subjected to such abuse." The team's announcement did not include a direct apology for the original claim. However, reports indicate that Lambiase subsequently apologised to Mercedes team principal after reviewing video evidence of the incident. "This is complete and utter rubbish. That blows my mind even to hear that," said Wolff. "We are battling for P2 in the constructors' championship... How foolish can you be to even say something like this?" Wolff added that he had cleared the air with Lambiase, who claimed he had not seen the actual incident when he made the comment. The team noted a "1,100% increase" in abusive messages targeting Antonelli after the Grand Prix. Kimi Antonelli finished fifth at the demanding Qatar Grand Prix. For his part, Antonelli explained the racing incident as a simple mistake. He commented he was driving aggressively to catch Carlos Sainz and experienced a "massive moment" that caused him to run wide and lose the position. "It was really hard with the dirty air and the high tyre temperatures," Antonelli remarked. "A shame to lose the place because it would have been two more points." Key Points from the Incident Red Bull has voiced remorse for comments made by a staff member. Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli was targeted by death threats in the aftermath of those comments. The disputed comment centered on an overtaking move that affected the title battle. Video evidence confirm Antonelli lost control, debunking the implication of team orders. The individual in question has expressed regret to Mercedes management.
Max Verstappen's victory in Qatar sets up a thrilling championship decider. The Red Bull racing outfit has issued a statement expressing its sincere regret for post-race remarks that preceded a torrent of online abuse, including vile threats, directed at young talent Kimi Antonelli. Antonelli reportedly changed his Instagram profile to a blank image on Monday, a reaction to the hurtful messages that flooded his accounts. Mercedes stated that a number of these messages constituted threats against the driver's life. The situation stems from team radio during the final laps of the recent race. Max Verstappen's race engineer suggested over the air that it "appeared as if" Antonelli had "just pulled over" to allow rival driver Lando Norris to pass. This incident proved crucial for the title fight, as the overtake earned him two additional points. This increased the McLaren driver's points advantage over Verstappen to 12 points ahead of the season finale in Abu Dhabi. In its official communication, Red Bull clarified: "Observations voiced implying that Kimi Antonelli had deliberately allowed Lando Norris to overtake are clearly incorrect. Replay footage demonstrates Antonelli briefly losing control of his car, thereby allowing Norris to pass him. We deeply regret that this has led to Kimi being subjected to such abuse." The team's announcement did not include a direct apology for the original claim. However, reports indicate that Lambiase subsequently apologised to Mercedes team principal after reviewing video evidence of the incident. "This is complete and utter rubbish. That blows my mind even to hear that," said Wolff. "We are battling for P2 in the constructors' championship... How foolish can you be to even say something like this?" Wolff added that he had cleared the air with Lambiase, who claimed he had not seen the actual incident when he made the comment. The team noted a "1,100% increase" in abusive messages targeting Antonelli after the Grand Prix. Kimi Antonelli finished fifth at the demanding Qatar Grand Prix. For his part, Antonelli explained the racing incident as a simple mistake. He commented he was driving aggressively to catch Carlos Sainz and experienced a "massive moment" that caused him to run wide and lose the position. "It was really hard with the dirty air and the high tyre temperatures," Antonelli remarked. "A shame to lose the place because it would have been two more points." Key Points from the Incident Red Bull has voiced remorse for comments made by a staff member. Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli was targeted by death threats in the aftermath of those comments. The disputed comment centered on an overtaking move that affected the title battle. Video evidence confirm Antonelli lost control, debunking the implication of team orders. The individual in question has expressed regret to Mercedes management.